The 'Bune asks: “Public or Private Sanitation?”

The Sunday “Opinion” page of the Tribune is given over to a point/counterpoint format that asks the question: “Public or Private Sanitation?”

Mayor James E. Garner Sr. begins with the argument that his “sanitation solution is a tough, but necessary choice,” while Mickey Thompson, President of Local 1861 A.F.S.C.M.E., answers with “a private contractor doesn’t mean savings or better service.”

Here’s an excerpt from Mayor Garner:

The decision I made to restructure the sanitation operations was neither simple nor pleasant. But it was necessary, and I firmly believe it will benefit all of us in the coming years. For the next eight years, New Albany’s waste removal needs will be met by a unique public-private partnership …

And one from the union president Thompson:

We should all know or understand that a contractor is in the business to make a profit. This is usually accomplished by a combination of increases in price, and/or decrease in service. The administration understands the contractor in snot intending to provide the same service we currently enjoy.

If either statement is archived on-line later this week, which given the 'Bune's history of timeliness is a dubious prospect at best, links will be provided.

For the past ten days, the sanitation issue has been extensively debated at the local Volunteer Hoosier and Speak Out, Lout (NA) blogs.

Also, in “Public to voice opinion about sanitation,” an article by Amany Ali in the Sunday newspaper, it is noted that City Council President Jeff Gahan proposes to chair a public forum on the topic at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday night, August 3, in the third-floor meeting room of the City-County Building.

CM Gahan’s reasoning seems to NA Confidential to be non-partisan and mostly sensible, as the sanitation partnership decision does not fall within the jurisdiction of the City Council beyond providing the council’s obstructionist Gang of Four with a heaven-sent opportunity to posture and chew scenery, and consequently, public communications time at Monday’s council meeting might drag on for hours if it is not deferred to a forum designed for one topic and one topic alone.

At any rate, we’ll know the answer on Monday night, which stands to be yet another riotous chapter in the life and times of New Albany. See you there.